In 2013, Sackman received human rights training from the British Council in Yangon, Burma.[11][14] In 2017 the Markaz El-Tathgheef El-Eslami group (MTE) bought Golders Green Hippodrome with the intention of converting it into a mosque. There were a number of objections from residents who cited concerns such as parking and congestion but some opposed the move on the grounds of an Islamic centre being located in an area (Golders Green) with its large Jewish population.[15] Sackman, acting for MTE, said it was hard to see how it had "not been treated differently to other religious groups who have previously used the building."[16] In 2021 Hillsong Church purchased the venue.[17]
Sackman contributed a chapter to Community-Led Generation – A Toolkit for Residents and Planners by Professor Pablo Sendra and Dr Daniel Fitzpatrick on using the law to challenge redevelopment through the courts; the book was published in 2020.[18]
At the 2024 election, Sackman was reselected as the Labour Party candidate for Finchley and Golders Green, ahead of Councillor Arjun Mittra,[29] standing on a platform of supporting economic growth particularly for small businesses by: cutting business rates and freezing energy prices; investing in skills and grants to provide work for unemployed young people; giving more money in the NHS, including a new system for caring for the elderly; and getting more police back on the streets.[30] She held that a Labour Government would continue to regard British ties with Israel as important nut must advocate a negotiated peace with the Palestinians and "for democratic values".[6]
In her victory speech on July 5th at the RAF Museum, Sackman said community would "triumph over hate" with Labour's anti-Semitism record under the spotlight,[36] and declared she would help to build: "a society where nurses aren't forced to visit foodbanks; where women and girls aren't afraid to walk home at night; where we act when we see the planet on fire, and where we welcome rather than demonise those, like my ancestors, who come to this country fleeing persecution."[37][38]
Member of Parliament (2024–present)
Sackman (left) being sworn in as Solicitor-General, alongside Lord High Chancellor Mahmood and Attorney-General Hermer, on 15 July 2024
Inside Housing listed Sackman among eight newly-elected MPs who would be advocates for social housing in the new Labour Government due to her experience in planning and environmental law and her work with the charity Shelter.[39]
In her maiden speech on 22 July 2024, Sackman paid tribute to her predecessor MP Mike Freer, and compared herself to another of her predecessors, Lady Thatcher, saying that, unlike Margaret Thatcher, she fundamentally believed in the existence and value of society. Sackman noted that, in recent times, some politicians[45] have chosen to use "North Londoner" as an insult, but she and her constituents wear it as a badge of pride. Sackman promised to "tirelessly call out anti-Semitism and Islamophobia", and voiced support for the Bills in the 2024 King's Speech as a vehicle to restore British public services.[46][47]
Publishing an open letter to her constituents on 28 November 2024 in support of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, Sackman stated her central reason for supporting this Bill was respect for individual autonomy and she was struck by that in dying we have no control. Quoting Rabbi Jonathan Romain that the Bill is about shortening death, not shortening life – in her own words: "the right to choose is an expression of the liberty which is, in essence, what makes life so precious".[58]
On 30 August 2024, Sackman took silk[64] being appointed a KC,[65] having gained prominence for her work in environmental and public law, as well as her political activities within the Labour movement.[66]
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